The harvesting season for Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.
red elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a deciduous shrub in the Adoxaceae family and recognizable by its dark, red-bronze colored leaves and pink to white flat-topped clusters of flowers. These flowers yield the edible, dark red berries that appear in late summer and provide food for birds and wildlife. It's found in many parts of North America from Alaska to California, east to New Brunswick and North Carolina, and is also found throughout Europe. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and is tolerant of a range of soil pH levels. Red Elderberry is an excellent choice for a wildlife habitat or in areas where erosion control is needed.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 7
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
full sun,part shade
Soil:
Loamy Clay Humus
Fruits:
red,purple,black Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Humans:
Yes
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Red Elderberry plants prefer consistent moisture throughout the growing season. They should be watered deeply at least twice a week when the soil is dry to the touch. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may want to make sure to water your Red Elderberry plants more frequently to ensure they stay hydrated. Avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot. For best results, water Red Elderberry plants in the morning when the sun is not as hot and the water can quickly soak into the soil.
sunlight
Red elderberry plants prefer full sun exposure for 6-8 hours per day in the late spring and summer months. During the cooler fall and winter months, they can benefit from dappled sunlight and partial afternoon shade. Red elderberries should not be placed in full sun in the very hottest parts of summer, as this may cause the leaves to burn and the plant to wilt.
pruning
Red elderberry should be pruned in late winter, once the plant has gone dormant. Prune back branches to the point of origin, cutting them back to the main stem. Cut out any dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches to promote air flow and discourage pests. Avoid removing more than ⅓ of the plant’s branches as it can be too aggressive for the still-developing shrub. Additionally, targeting only the oldest branches will help promote the growth of younger, more vigorous branches.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Red elderberry typically starts flowering in April or May.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.
